Due to a nighttime shelling by Russia, several substations crucial for the operation of Ukrainian nuclear power plants have sustained damage.

As a result of a large-scale combined Russian attack on the night of Sunday, November 17, several power substations in Ukraine, crucial for supplying energy to Ukrainian nuclear power plants, were damaged. This was stated by Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the IAEA.

The IAEA chief's report indicates that the substations providing external power to the nuclear power plants were affected by Russian shelling. This includes the substations that supply the Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, and South Ukrainian nuclear power plants.

“In the morning, the operating nuclear power plants in Ukraine reduced electricity production as a precautionary measure following extensive military actions across the country, which reportedly targeted energy infrastructure, further increasing risks to nuclear and physical nuclear safety,” – reported Rafael Grossi.

It is noted that the nuclear plants themselves were not directly damaged by the shelling – only the substations were affected. The main power transmission lines from four substations were disconnected.

“IAEA teams based at the nuclear power plants heard air defense actions and sought shelter during air raid alerts. At the Khmelnytskyi nuclear power plant, the IAEA team heard a loud explosion. At the Rivne nuclear power plant, two 330 kV power transmission lines were unavailable,” – the report states.

The IAEA press service clarified that only two of the nine operating reactors in the country are producing electricity at 100% capacity. The other six have reduced output to levels of 40-90%.

Recall that on November 17, Russia launched 210 aerial targets at Ukraine – 120 missiles of various types and 90 drones. The Air Forces shot down 144 enemy targets – fighter jets, including F-16s, were also involved in destroying some of the munitions and drones.